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The National Police Service (NPS) has dismissed reports circulating on the internet that a duty roster with the names and phone numbers of police officers on it was specifically made for the purposes of the Monday, December 30, 2024, protests against abductions.

In a statement on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, police spokesperson Resila Onyango clarified that it was standard procedure for every police station to have a regular roster and that there was nothing untoward in the matter.

“The National Police Service has noted with great concern, a post of a duty roster circulating on social media detailing names and cellphone contacts of Police Officers at one of the police stations in Nairobi,” Onyango stated.

Adding: “Contrary to the malicious and misleading information insinuating that the roster was meant for the arrest of protestors yesterday, we wish to clarify to the public that under Chapter 59, Paragraph 12 of the National Police Service Standing Orders, duty rosters are maintained at all sub-counties, stations, posts, outposts and traffic offices in the country for the purpose of planning and assigning responsibilities for a period.

Accountability purposes

The police spokesperson indicated that duty rosters generally offer a framework for records and documentation of police administrative and operational processes; promote and enhance accountability of the Service; and ensure that all officers at the station are apprised on the relevant contacts in the event they require assistance in the course of their duties.

“As such, the said duty roster had absolutely nothing to do with any general or specific task in relation to demonstrations. We therefore urge the public to refrain from spreading misinformation intended at public incitement,” she remarked.

The December 30, 2024, demonstrations led to the injury of protesters and the arrest of many others who were released on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, after being presented at the Milimani Law Courts.

While police officers requested to detain the protesters for a further 14 days to conclude their investigations, Principal Magistrate Rose Ndombi allowed them to be released on a cash bail which was footed by the Law Society of Kenya.

Elsewhere in Eldoret, former presidential aspirant Reuben Kigame was arrested as he attempted to lead protests but was later released.

The people arrested in Nairobi were taken to different police stations, with Omtatah detained at the Gigiri police station.

Demonstrations were held to highlight cases of abductions and forced disappearances.